Police visit pensioner over 7ft fence row with neighbour

A pensioner has been accused of criminal damage after he removed panels from a fence he says blocks a legal right of way to his back garden.

Alwyn Chilvers (70) and his mother Audrey (92) say it is stated in their deeds they can access their garden  behind the next door end-of-terrace house in High Road, Whaplode, but a 7ft fence was put up by neighbours.

Mr Chilvers said: “It not only cuts off our right of way, but an escape route. My deeds quite clearly state they have got to make it accessible.
“It means we have to take rubbish bags through the house. You couldn’t get a bicycle round or anything like that.

“My mother is quite upset. We have never had any aggravation before.”

Mr Chilvers, who has instructed solicitors to act, says he has been visited by police after making an opening in the fence as he was sick of carrying rubbish bags through the house.

His mother said the access dated back to a time when coal deliveries were needed by all the homes in the terrace.
She added: “We’ve always got along well with all our neighbours before.”

Mrs Chilvers’ parents Henry and Lavinia Gratton bought the house in 1958 and Audrey and late husband Percy moved in in 1960.

A police spokesman said: “Although all parties have been advised that the main crux of these ongoing issues are a civil matter that needs to be resolved through solicitors, we are investigating an allegation of criminal damage to a fence.”

The Chilvers’ neighbours declined The Voice’s request to get in touch for comment. The house is being marketed for rent.